Richard Wheeler Huntress, the son of Henry and Clara Elizabeth Wheeler Huntress, was born October 12, 1929, in Peterson, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in Peterson, where he received his education, graduating from Peterson High School in 1947. Following high school, he entered the military and served his country in Alaska during the Korean War.
For most of his adult life, he drove truck and later owned and operated Rich's Caf� in Fostoria from 1968 -1993. He worked for Whittenburg Distributing until his retirement. Richard was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Milford. He was also active with the American Legion, V.F.W. and the Eagle's Club in Spencer. Rich enjoyed fishing, especially his Canada trips, hunting, outdoors and spending time with his family, most importantly, his grandchildren.
Rich passed away at the Spencer Hospital on Thursday, August 7, 2008, at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Lionel and Roger; a sister-in-law, Ruth Huntress; two brother-in-laws: Jack Johnson and Ray "Slim" Wetherell; three grandchildren: Todd Beck, Paul Richard Hintz and Brian Beck.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Marcella "Billie" Huntress of Milford, IA; 2 sons: Sparky and Nancy Beck of Fostoria, IA and David and Michelle Huntress of Milford, IA; four daughters: Mollie Lamb of Milford, IA, Deb & Brian Brodersen of Spencer, Melodee and Tito Mendez of Englewood, CO and Marge and Sid Roskens of Spencer, IA; 17 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; two sisters: Dortha Johnson of Spencer and Wilda Wetherell of Peterson, IA; other relatives and many friends.
SERVICES
Funeral Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the First Lutheran Church in Milford, Iowa.
OFFICIATING
Pastor Bob Vaage
CASKET BEARERS
Ken Hicks - Sid Roskens
Brian Brodersen - Larry Dailey
Denny Phillips - Tito Mendez
HONORARY BEARERS:
Charlie Gould - Robert Anderson
Loren Sullivan - Gene Williamson
Jerry Norman - Howard Van Daalen
VISITATION
Visitation will begin 3:00 P.M., Friday with the family present from 6 to 8:00 P.M., Friday Evening at the Warner Funeral Home in Spencer.
MUSIC
"How Great Thou Art"
"In The Garden"
By The Congregation
SOLOS
"One Day At A Time"
"The Old Rugged Cross"
By Bob Floss
"One Day At A Time"
INTERMENT
Dickens Cemetery
Dickens, Iowa
Military services will be conducted by Glen Pedersen American Legion Post #1 of Spencer, Iowa following the graveside services.